Talking Points – Turkey Terror Attacks

Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients who have questions about travel to Turkey. (Updated September 29, 2017)

1. Over the past 18 months, Turkey has been rocked by high-profile terror attacks, including a nightclub shooting in Istanbul on New Year’s Day and the assassination of the Russian ambassador to Turkey, as well as a failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016.

2. The U.S. State Department updated its Travel Warning for Turkey on September 28, 2017, due to increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey and because “heightened anti-American rhetoric has the potential to inspire independent actors to carry out acts of violence against U.S. citizens.”

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.

1. Over the past 18 months, Turkey has been rocked by high-profile terror attacks, including a nightclub shooting in Istanbul on New Year’s Day and the assassination of the Russian ambassador to Turkey, as well as a failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016.On January 1, 2017, 39 people were killed, and 70 injured, at the Reina nightclub in Istanbul.

o ISIS took credit and CNN noted that “ISIS has typically refrained from claiming responsibility for attacks in Turkey to create “an environment of suspicion in Turkish politics…”

o Due to the attack, a three-month extension of Turkey’s “state of emergency” went into effect on January 19, 2017.

 On December 19, 2016, Russia’s ambassador to Turkey was assassinated by a lone gunman. The assassin, an off-duty police officer, referenced Syria during the killing.

 On the night of July 15, 2016, a faction of Turkey’s armed forces attempted to overthrow the government and seize power.

o According to the BBC, “At least 246 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured in clashes during the abortive coup.” In addition, “Turkey says 8,651 members, or 1.5%, of the nation’s armed forces took part in the failed coup on July 15.”

 In the aftermath of the failed coup:

o The Turkish government instituted a “state of emergency” where, according to CNN, it can “impose curfews and declare certain public and private areas off limits, and it can ban or restrict meetings, gatherings and rallies.”

 The state of emergency is still in effect. The State Department notes that due to this state of emergency, “security forces have expanded powers, including the authority to detain any person at any time. The Turkish government has, at times, restricted internet access, restricted political gatherings, and blocked media content. Turkish authorities have detained U.S. citizens without granting access to lawyers or family members.”

 

o Deutsche Welle reported on January 19, 2017: “More than 350 people have been killed and scores more wounded in terror attacks during this period, including the 39 victims of a deadly shooting in Istanbul on New Year’s Eve, claimed by the so-called ‘Islamic State’ (IS).” In addition:

 “…Nearly 90,000 civil servants have been sacked via legislative decrees, and more than 1,500 associations, 15 universities and several trade unions have been shut down. Some 1,656 people have been arrested, 10,000 face investigation and many detainees are in custody pending official charges, according to the Ankara-based Human Rights Association. At least 177 media outlets have been shut down, nearly 10,000 journalists and media members have lost their jobs and 144 journalists have been imprisoned during the state of emergency, the group said in its January report.”

2. The U.S. State Department updated its Travel Warning for Turkey on September 28, 2017, due to increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey and because “heightened anti-American rhetoric has the potential to inspire independent actors to carry out acts of violence against U.S. citizens.”

 On September 28, 2017, the U.S. State Department updated its existing Travel Warning for Turkey to warn U.S citizens to “carefully consider the need to travel to Turkey at this time, and avoid travel to southeast Turkey.” The Travel Warning further states:

o “Additional attacks in Turkey could occur without warning at major sporting and/or cultural spectator events, tourist sites, restaurants, nightclubs, commercial centers, places of worship, and transportation hubs, including aviation services, metros, buses, bridges, bus terminals, and sea transport. Terrorist organizations in Turkey have explicitly targeted U.S. and other foreign tourists and expatriates for kidnapping and assassination.

o “Delays or denial of consular access to U.S. citizens detained or arrested by security forces have become more common, and U.S. Mission Turkey does not have consular access to arrested U.S. citizens who also possess Turkish citizenship. U.S. citizen employees of some non-governmental organizations in Turkey have also recently experienced increased scrutiny and denials of their residence permit applications.”

 In its latest Turkey Travel Warning the State Department has continued security restrictions on personal and official travel by U.S. government personnel and their family members.

o “U.S. government personnel and their family members residing in or visiting Istanbul are restricted from congregating or traveling in large groups and are not permitted to visit these Istanbul locations without prior approval from the Consulate:

 “Large, crowded areas such as shopping malls and houses of worship frequented by expatriates, entertainment complexes, nightclubs, public sporting/cultural performance venues, and crowded pedestrian thoroughfares.”

 “Tourist destinations throughout Istanbul, to include historical sites, monuments, large bazaar markets, and museums.”

 “U.S. government personnel living in or visiting Turkey continue to require approval from the U.S. Embassy to visit the southeastern provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, Diyarbakir, Van, Siirt, Mus, Mardin, Batman, Bingol, Tunceli, Hakkari, Bitlis, and Elazig. Travel within

 

Adana by U.S. government personnel may also be subject to restriction. Furthermore, the U.S. Embassy may prohibit movements by personnel, including those at U.S. Consulates, to these areas on short notice for security reasons.”

o “U.S. citizens should also be aware that the Government of Turkey has closed its border with Syria. The Government of Turkey prohibits border crossings from Syria into Turkey, even if the traveler entered Syria from Turkey.”

o For your safety:

 “Avoid travel to southeastern Turkey, in particular large, urban centers near the Turkey-Syrian border.”

 “Stay away from large crowds, including at popular tourist destinations.”

 “Exercise heightened vigilance and caution when visiting public access areas, especially those heavily frequented by tourists.”

 “Stay away from political gatherings and rallies.”

 “Follow the instructions of local authorities in an emergency.”

 “Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures in place.”

 “Monitor local media.”

 The United Kingdom’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) says that “The situation has calmed following an attempted coup on 15 to 16 July 2016. But the security environment remains potentially volatile and a state of emergency is in place.”

o “British nationals made over 1.7 million visits to Turkey in 2016. Most visits were trouble free. Be alert to your surroundings and remain vigilant in crowded places popular with foreign nationals, including during festival periods.”

o “In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the Turkish authorities are stopping members of the public to conduct ID checks. There’s also a larger than usual number of police checkpoints on main roads across Turkey. You should co-operate with officials conducting checks, and keep your passport and a printed copy of your e-visa or your residence permit with you at all times.”

o “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey. Terrorist groups, including Kurdish groups, Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) and far left organisations, continue to plan and carry out attacks. Further attacks could be indiscriminate.”

o “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to within 10 km of the border with Syria and to the city of Diyarbakir.”

o “The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:

 the remaining areas of Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Kilis and Hatay provinces Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari”

 The Government of Canada advises does not have a nationwide advisory in effect for Turkey. However, it states that individuals “should exercise a high degree of caution due to crime, the threat of terrorist attacks and ongoing demonstrations throughout the country.”

o “Global Affairs Canada advises against all travel to within 10 km of the border with Syria, due to a deteriorating security situation.”

o “Global Affairs Canada advises against non-essential travel to the south-eastern provinces of Hakkari, Siirt, Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Kilis, Tunceli,

 

Batman, Mus, Diyarbakir, Elazig, Bingol, Bitlis, Van, and Hatay, due to an unpredictable security situation.

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

 We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.

 While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:

o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.

o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.

o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.

o Ask tour guides and hotel officials about any planned demonstrations in the locations they plan to visit.

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.

o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention and medical evacuation.

 The U.S. State Department also offers a helpful Traveler’s Checklist that provides additional travel tips.

 Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).

 We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 

 Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.

 

Talking Points – Hurricane Damage in the Caribbean

Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients who have questions about traveling to the Caribbean post-Hurricane Irma. (Updated September 28, 2017)

1. Although the recent hurricanes have deeply affected many Caribbean islands, many others are “open for business” and welcoming tourists.

2. We are here to assist our clients; their safety and well-being is our top priority.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. Although the recent hurricanes have deeply affected many Caribbean islands, many others are “open for business” and welcoming tourists.

 The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season has been especially active, with three major hurricanes (Harvey, Irma and Maria) occurring over a short period of time.

 Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused dozens of deaths and devastated many Caribbean islands’ infrastructure.

 The Caribbean Travel Update, operated by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Organization, list “Affected Islands” and those “Open for Business.” The site says “Open for Business” islands have not been affected at all or are mostly up and running once again after storms Irma, Jose and Maria. The lists are being revised on a regular basis.

o Affected Islands

 Anguilla

 Barbuda

 British Virgin Islands

 Dominica

 Puerto Rico

 St. Barts

 Sint Maarten/St. Martin

 U.S. Virgin Islands

o Open for Business: The majority of Caribbean islands were not in the hurricanes’ path or sustained minimal damage. They are:

 Antigua

 Aruba

 Barbados

 Belize

 

 Bermuda

 Bonaire

 Cayman Islands

 Cuba

 Curacao

 Dominican Republic

 Guadeloupe

 Guyana

 Grenada

 Haiti

 Jamaica

 Martinique

 Montserrat

 Nevis

 Saba

 St. Eustatius

 St. Kitts

 St. Lucia

 St. Vincent

 Suriname

 The Bahamas

 Trinidad & Tobago

 Turks & Caicos

 Many cruise lines have changed itineraries to temporarily avoid islands in hurricane recovery. As the situation is ongoing, it is recommended that travel agents carefully check each cruise line’s website to ensure they are giving accurate information to their clients.

 CLIA provided a statement about the cruise industry during the hurricanes:

“During Hurricane Irma, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Cruise Line Members were in constant contact with officials regarding port closures and itinerary changes in the Caribbean.

Policies and practices regarding customer care involving hurricanes and availability of impacted destinations are set by individual cruise lines.

The safety of passengers and crew is the industry’s top priority, which is why cruise ships have the flexibility to alter their itineraries to avoid areas of higher risk. Where possible, cruise lines strive to provide alternate ports of call; change the sequence of the ports; or extend calls in ports to compensate for the loss of another port of call.

 Specific questions regarding itinerary changes due to Hurricane Irma are best addressed by individual cruise lines. Following are links to the most up-to-date information on the impact of Hurricane Irma for several cruise lines.”

 Royal Caribbean

 Norwegian Cruise Line

 Disney Cruise Line

 Carnival

 MSC Cruises

 

 It is recommended that travel professionals closely follow the CTO Storm Watch Center for the latest travel and tourism updates for the Caribbean.

 Anguilla: CNN reported that: “On Anguilla, a 90-square kilometer island that is among several British overseas territories in the Caribbean, 90% of all government buildings were severely affected and 80-90% of the island’s schools have been damaged, the UNOCHA [United Nations Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance] said. Electricity and phone lines have been disrupted, hospitals have limited capabilities and there is no running water.”

 Barbuda: The island of Barbuda, one of the two islands that make up the country of Antigua and Barbuda suffered catastrophic damage.

o The United Nation’s News Centre reported on September 21 that the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Alphonso Browne, said: “the island of Barbuda is decimated; its entire population left homeless; and its buildings reduced to empty shells…For the first time in over 300 years, there is now no permanent resident on Barbuda. The footprints of an entire civilization have been emasculated by the brutality and magnitude of Irma,’ he said.”

 The British Virgin Islands were devastated by the storms.

o The Independent noted the severe damage: “The unofficial estimate puts the loss at 90 per cent of homes, businesses and boats.”

o Visitors to the British Virgin Islands cannot fly directly there, and must connect through other Caribbean airports. Many of these airports, such as St. Martin, are currently non-operational.

 Dominica missed most of the damage from Hurricane Irma, but was not so fortunate with Hurricane Maria. According to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, “…the storm tore apart homes, ravaged businesses, and wiped out infrastructure and agriculture; the ‘nature isle’ demolished by nature itself.”(BBC News)

 Puerto Rico did not take a direct hit from Hurricane Irma, but its effects were still felt. Hurricane Maria added further to the destruction:

o In a message to travelers, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association said:

 “The resumption of normal flight operations is being delayed for safety reasons due to radar functionality limitations impacting the number of arrivals and departures. The airport is operational again but on a limited schedule from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM EDT until further notice. There are approximately twelve commercial flights scheduled daily. International flights have not yet been authorized.”

 “We strongly encourage travelers without confirmed flights to avoid going to the airport. Reservations are not being managed at SJU and passengers must reconfirm these reservations directly with their airline before going to the airport for check-in. Also note that airplane seat capacity is extremely limited as airlines continue to work on additional recovery flights.”

o Puerto Rico’s infrastructure continues to frustrate recovery efforts, as the country’s electric grid was destroyed by the hurricanes, leaving the island without power.

 

 St. Martin/Sint Maarten (the island is split into French and Dutch territories) evacuated numerous Americans from the island after the devastation of Hurricane Irma.

o The Dutch Red Cross has estimated a 90% damage rate for buildings in Sint Maarten.

o Princess Juliana International Airport has been nearly destroyed, and is not operational at this time.

 In a statement on their website, the airport said: “Due to Hurricane Irma, all commercial flights in and out of Princess Juliana International Airport are currently suspended. Until further notice, the airport is serving as a dedicated hub for emergency and evacuation flights only.”

 St. Barthelemy, in addition to sustaining its own severe damage in Hurricane Irma, is hampered further by the fact that the main point of entry for air travelers is from Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Martin/Siint Maarten, which has its own severe hurricane damage and is not accepting flights.

 “Bruno Magras, the president of the local government, said the largest impact was on private homes and public infrastructure, like the fire station and government offices. Hotel capacity also has been hit. ‘Obviously that will have an economic impact,’ he said. ‘Tourism is everything to us. It’s the only economic activity we have. We import everything and export nothing.’”

 The United States Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix) are not able to welcome travelers currently, and there is no timeline for the renewal of tourism services.

 The United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has requested on their website that “Due to the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, we are requesting the postponement of all scheduled visits to St. Thomas and St. John.”

2. We are here to assist our clients; their safety and well-being is our top priority.

 We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel professional, we are there for them before, during and after their trip should they need us – which gives them peace of mind.

 We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.

 Travel agents are trained to monitor situations, such tropical storms and hurricanes, which may impact their clients’ travel plans. As such, they also are in a position to work on alternative travel plans and have those in place the moment the need arises.

 If changes in travel plans are necessary due to weather, many times, travel agents are able to rebook clients for no additional charge or are able to obtain travel vouchers and/or refunds that clients may not know are due or available to them.

o Some U.S. airlines are now offering travel waivers due to the storms, including:

 

 Alaska Airlines

 American Airlines

 Delta Air Lines

 United Airlines

 With limited airline seats available, travel agents have the resources needed to quickly rebook clients and reserve the next available seat.

o Travelers who book on their own either have to “roll the dice” by calling an 800-number or standing in a lengthy customer service line to try get rebooked. Using a travel agent can essentially move you to the “front of the line.”

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.

 We closely monitor the latest news and weather updates, as well as the U.S. Department of State website, for travel alerts and travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located, we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.